News Release

Statement from HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius on Governor Schwarzenegger's Speech in Support of Health Reform

U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services Kathleen Sebelius released the following statement on Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger’s speech in support of health insurance reform:

STATEMENT FROM SECRETARY SEBELIUS

Today, Governor Schwarzenegger announced California's commitment to health reform.  As the Governor of the largest state in the union, Governor Schwarzenegger supports the goals of the Affordable Care Act which will give Californians and other Americans more control over their own health care.

As a former Governor, I appreciate the Governor's dedication to strengthening the health care system and the Governor deserves credit for his proactive work to help improve public health and prevent disease and illness.

We are working carefully but expeditiously on the national level to implement the Affordable Care Act, and in the month since the President signed it, we've made significant progress in protecting consumers, expanding coverage and lowering costs.

This is a very state-friendly law and our Administration has worked closely with Governors to both pass and begin implementation of it. We will continue to partner with states to ensure more Americans get the quality affordable care they need.

Working in partnership with states like California, we will be able to move efficiently and effectively to make these reforms a reality for all Americans.

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Note: All HHS press releases, fact sheets and other press materials are available at http://www.hhs.gov/news.

Last revised: January 03, 2011